How Parentline Can Help You
READ MECoping With A Crisis Or Disaster
Experiencing a crisis or a natural disaster like a flood, bushfire or cyclone, can be a stressful and traumatic time for a family. Here are some tips to help you and your child cope.
Before and during a crisis or disaster
Experiencing a crisis, disaster or a trauma is an extremely stressful time for a family.
Before a known, imminent crisis or disaster like a bushfire, families are usually busy preparing and following the advice of emergency personnel. The focus is on safety and basic needs, such as water, food, shelter and medical care (if needed). But the disaster can continue to impact on the mental health and wellbeing of children and families once the crisis has passed.
For children not directly affected by a disaster or crisis, witnessing the suffering of others (e.g. on the news) may result in secondary trauma that can cause distress or impact on their wellbeing.
After a crisis or disaster
Trauma is a normal, natural response to experiencing or witnessing something dangerous or distressing. It may appear weeks, months or even years after a crisis or disaster event. Each child is different and may respond in a variety of ways and children of different ages may respond differently. Normal behavioural responses to a traumatic event can include:
Feelings of grief
Separation anxiety
Regressive behaviour
Difficulties concentrating
Sleep issues and nightmares
Feelings of anxiety or insecurity
Aggression or emotional outbursts
Physical symptoms – e.g. stomach ache
Feelings of confusion or asking questions
Withdrawal or loss of interest in usual activities
Supporting your child
Children benefit from a calm, safe and strong parental presence.
Children are like sponges and can easily soak up the emotions of those around them. Following a disaster, children need safety and nurturing to process their thoughts and emotions.
As a parent, you have also been through a trauma. You may be experiencing physical injuries, challenging thoughts and emotions, financial hardship, social changes and other impacts. Taking care of yourself and seeking support if needed is an important part of supporting your child to heal and recover.
Awareness of your own emotions and behaviours, including how you are responding to or processing trauma will help you to provide a calm, safe and supportive environment for your child.
Other ways to support your child
It’s normal for children to process in their own time. Processing can take time and varies depending upon your child’s personality, past experiences and developmental age. Here are some other ways you can support your child:
Try as soon as possible to get children back to their usual routines
Be aware of other sources of information you child is exposed to (e.g. the media)
Involve them in altruistic or recovery activities such as donating, volunteer work, etc.
Put boundaries around media and sources of information to limit exposure to distressing or adult content
Make time to connect with your child in positive ways – this could be by doing something they enjoy, engaging in play or having fun
Communicate with your child – reassure them that they are safe, that things will get better and that we have brave people who help make our communities safe and help in times of disaster
"Children have an amazing capacity to heal and recover with the right support. The relationship between parent and child plays a big role in achieving positive outcomes after a trauma."
-Kim, Parentline Manager
You don’t have to go through this alone
You know your child best.
If you feel your child is experiencing greater distress than expected, or things are taking a longer time than expected to return to normal, it’s important to seek support. You aren’t expected to be your child’s counsellor or know exactly what to do and say. It’s understandable if you are also feeling stress or need support after experiencing a trauma. Reaching out for professional support is important for you and your child’s wellbeing. Looking after yourself means that you can be more available and responsive to help your child.
If you need additional support, you can contact us by calling 1300 30 1300 (QLD & NT) or starting a WebChat.
Not living in QLD or NT? Check out this list of Parentline counselling services in each state or territory.
This content was last reviewed 08/01/2020
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